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Nail Tech Schools in Wisconsin

There are many reasons why someone might want to become a nail technician in Wisconsin. For one, the state is home to a large number of salons and spas. This means that there is a constant demand for talented and skilled nail technicians. In addition, Wisconsin offers a wide variety of opportunities for nail technicians, from working in high-end salons to starting their own businesses. There are also a number of cosmetology schools in the state that can provide the education and training necessary to become a successful nail technician. Check out our listings below to find a nail tech school near you in Wisconsin and chart a new course for your career!

Nail Tech Schools in Wisconsin

State Requirements for Nail Technician Licensing in Wisconsin

  • High school graduate.
  • 300 hours of combined classroom and hands-on training from a reputable school.
  • License renewal every 2 years.

How Much Do Wisconsin Nail Tech Programs Cost?

Not surprisingly, cost is a big factor in which nail tech program people choose. So how much will you have to spend to become a licensed nail tech in Wisconsin? Typically, most programs will cost anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 once you have purchased your necessary books and supplies and paid tuition and fees. Below you can see the cost breakdown for one program in Beloit.

  • Registration Fee: $100
  • Tuition: $2,700
  • Student Kit: $400
  • Kit Tax (5.5%): $22
  • Class/Lab Fees: $58
  • Total Program Cost: $3,280

Required Skills and Classes

The first step in acquiring a nail technician license is to acquire the necessary skills by enrolling in one of the approved manicurist schools in Wisconsin. The 300-hour training program will include areas of study such as:

  • Introductory classes, consisting of business management, book-keeping, laws, regulations, ethics, and history – 36 theory hours
  • Bacteriology, sanitation, disinfection, and first aid – 10 theory hours and 25 practical hours
  • Anatomy and physiology – 18 theory hours and 8 practical hours
  • Nail and skin diseases and disorders – 24 theory hours and 10 practical hours
  • Manicuring, pedicuring, and nail enhancement – 24 theory hours and 112 practical hours
  • Introduction to advertising – 12 theory hours
  • Individual student needs and choices – 7 theory hours and 14 practical hours

State Licensing Exam

Students that successfully finish the 300-hour nail tech program will be eligible to register for the licensure exams via Pearson VUE. Preparing for the said exams can be done via the Wisconsin Candidate Handbook.

Temporary License – applicants with confirmed exam schedules will have the option to acquire a temporary license through the online account created via Pearson VUE. The applicant’s school of origin must present a Certificate of Training to the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) in Madison.

  • Theory Exam – this 75 multiple-choice question test will take 105 minutes to complete and will cover subject areas such as:
    • Wisconsin state laws and regulations
    • Regulations, rules, and safety procedures
    • Nail structure and analysis
    • Massage services
    • Pedicure and manicure services
    • Nail enhancements
  • Practical Exam – this hands-on based test will take 2 hours to complete. For a list of the required items to bring during the test, please consult this link. Manicurist-related services that need to be performed are as follows:
    • Safety and infection control
    • Basic manicure
    • Nail tip application
    • Polish application and removal
    • Artificial enhancements involving acrylics, natural nails, and an overlay with tip application

Application by Reciprocity – an applicant is deemed eligible for reciprocity if the state of origin has similar license requirements to Wisconsin. The following proofs must be submitted to the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) to process the request:

  • Has worked for at least 4,000 hours as a licensed nail technician
  • Has passed both the theory and practical nail technician exam
  • Current nail technician license holder and is in good standing from the state of origin

How Much Do Nail Techs Get Paid in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin’s current average pay rate for nail care specialists is $13.75 per hour which is equivalent to $28,590 annually.

Does Wisconsin Have Continuing Education Requirements for Nail Technicians?

Wisconsin requires a minimum of four hours of continuing education credits be completed within each license renewal period. License renewal occurs on every odd-numbered year.

Contact Information for Licensing Board

To contact the state licensing board for nail techs in Wisconsin, use the information below.

Department of Safety and Professional Services
Address: 4822 Madison Yards Way, Madison, WI 53705
Website: https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/Cosmetologist/Default.aspx
Call: 608-266-2112